Lionel Messi Scores His Eighth Champions League Hat-Trick

"It's odd to me that he does not win the Ballon d'Or every single year".

Asked about Barca's desire to end the dominance of their arch rivals and win the competition themselves, he said: "Who is not motivated for the Champions League?".

The goal saw the Argentine great draw level with Spanish legend Raul as the only players to score in 14 consecutive Champions League campaigns.

Barca had struggled for the opening half hour, but a vintage Messi free-kick broke the deadlock and, after a wonderful individual effort from Ousmane Dembele, he scored twice in the final 13 minutes, which also saw Samuel Umtiti sent off.

Indeed, Van Bommel has ordered them not to request Messi's shirt during the game.

But Mauro Icardi's brilliant late volley brought the hosts level, and Matias Vecino headed in a stoppage-time victor for Inter, back in the Champions League for the first time since 2011-12.

Liverpool top Group C after substitute Roberto Firmino struck a brilliant stoppage-time victor in their 3-2 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. "This was typical of the way Messi has been playing the last two, three years". Firmino collected a pass from Virgil van Dijk and fired a low shot into the far corner to seal the Reds' victory.

In the same group, Christian Pulisic celebrated his 20th birthday in style by scoring a fortunate late goal that gave Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 win away to Club Brugge. Many outside viewers thought this was a ridiculous price for such a young player but Barca wanted their man and made sure they got him. Inter Milan stormed back with two late goals and left San Siro with three points and a ton of confidence, which is something it hasn't had this season.

Diego Costa equalised for visitors on 31 minutes before defender Jose Gimenez headed home the victor from a corner on the stroke of halftime.